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best portions of the Chinese Quarter of the Town. Unfortunately there was a strong wind blowing at the time, and owing to the very large quantity of wood used in Chinese houses, the fire had gained so much strength before effective measures could be taken for stopping it, that no less than 136 houses were burned—many of them being amongst the best Chinese Residences in the Town. For several days afterwards I had to station a strong guard with Fire Engine on the ruins before all danger of the fire's breaking out a second time had subsided.
2.
For some time previously the great depression in trade prevailing here had caused much distress amongst the Chinese trading class, and this calamity has therefore been felt more severely than under an ordinary state of things. It has however been of use in proving the wisdom of the steps taken by this Government for securing a more plentiful supply of water under high pressure. Had such a supply been forthcoming on the 30th Ultimo, 100 houses would probably have been saved.
4.
All classes seemed to do their duty—Naval, Military, and Civilian—the most apathetic and inactive being the Chinese themselves.
5.
The expediency of forming a special Fire Brigade to assist the Police and Military on such occasion is now under...